Pantysgallog Primary School’s ‘Morning Mile’ Is Improving Children’s Performance In The Class Room
It’s a well-known fact that there are lots of benefits to exercising early in the morning, so it’s no wonder that Pantysgallog Primary School in Merthyr Tydfil is seeing a marked improvement in children’s performance in the class room since introducing the ‘Morning Mile’.
After seeing a similar initiative on the Pride of Britain Awards in 2015 PE Coordinator Miss Rebecca Rogers and School Secretary Mrs Astley came up with the idea for the Morning Mile, which sees pupils in Key Stage 2 (Juniors) walk ten laps of their school yard each morning; each lap being 160 metres, with their total distance equating to one mile.
Mr Darren Thomas, Headteacher at Pantysgallog, said: “Aside from the obvious health benefits the children get from completing the mile, teaching staff have also observed an increase in how alert pupils are entering into class in the mornings. The Mile has also had an impact on some pupils who have, in the past demonstrated some challenging behaviour in lessons. These pupils are much more focused upon their learning.”
And the children love it!
Eddee Lloyd Bedford, a Year 5 pupil, said: “I like the Morning Mile because it gets you full of energy, gets you fit and helps you with your work.”
Millie Kate Barrett, also a Year 5 pupil, said: “The Morning Mile starts your day and you feel like the day is going to be awesome!”
As a result of the success of the scheme, Rebecca Evans AM, Minister for Social Services and Public Health, visited the school on Thursday 29th September to join the children on their morning walk. Rebecca Evans said: “I want to congratulate the staff and pupils at PantysgallogPrimary School for introducing the Morning Mile. Getting children more active is a key priority for the Welsh Government and it was inspiring to see them all in action.”
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